You may believe that you deserve a second chance after you lose a job, benefits, or educational opportunity.Writing an appeal letter is one of the best ways to get this second chance.Your appeal letter needs to be brief and professional to ensure it is taken seriously.You have learned something from the whole experience if you stick to the facts.
Step 1: Use the traditional format for your business.
Traditional business format is the only option for a formal letter.Any word processing application can be used to find a business letter template.You may want to use it for something more professional.
Step 2: If there are any requirements, check for them.
Someone who is writing to request an appeal may have specific information they need.They may have a form you need to use.You don't have to make changes later if you find these before you write your letter.You can either find this information online or call the office.If you have the information in writing, you can make sure you include everything.
Step 3: Date your letter.
The date is usually at the top of a business letter.The date you wrote the letter should be this.The day's date may be entered by your word processing application.
Step 4: The proper way to say hello is with the proper salutation.
It's best to address your letter to a specific person.You should use a specific job title if you can't get a name.Address your letter "To Whom It May Concern" as a last resort.It is appropriate to say "dear Dr. Drew".If the title is relevant to your appeal, include it."Dear Dean Drew" is appropriate if you are writing to the Dean to request an appeal from a suspension.
Step 5: Your signature block will be created.
You can sign your letter by hand after you've finished typing it.To type your name below the space, leave at least four lines for your signature.It is possible to include your phone number or email address under your name.
Step 6: Make a list of the things that are in the attachment.
The statements you make in your appeal letter are likely to be backed up by documents.Your recipient can confirm they got everything if you list the attachments on the letter.
Step 7: Introduce yourself.
To start your appeal letter, you need to tell the person reading the letter who you are and your relation to the situation at hand.Don't include any information that is not relevant to the appeal.If you are a student appealing an academic suspension, your first sentence should be: "My name is KATIE PARKER."I am a junior at State Tech and have been on the Dean's list three times in the last five years.If you are writing an appeal letter on behalf of someone else, you should include information about them in the first sentence or two.
Step 8: Explain the purpose of your letter.
Your appeal is summarized in the opening paragraph of your letter.It's a good idea to outline your letter first, or to write your appeal and then come back to this summary.The decision that you want to appeal should be described in the opening paragraph.A sentence that tells the reader what you want to happen is the best way to close your opening paragraph.Last semester I was placed on academic suspension, despite the fact that my overall grade point average was a B.The suspension should be removed from my record.
Step 9: Don't get emotional about the facts.
When you start a new paragraph, tell your reader what happened that led to the decision you want to appeal.Provide as much information as you can.You can back up your facts with documentation by making a note of them.The more evidence you have, the more likely your appeal will be granted.Appeal to sympathy and keep emotion.Passive voice can make it look like you're trying to avoid responsibility for your actions.
Step 10: Provide an opinion.
A new paragraph should be written after you've told the story to explain how the decision was wrong.Copies of rules or policies will back up your interpretation of the situation.If you made mistakes, acknowledge them.Don't make excuses if the surrounding circumstances are relevant.Own up to your actions.Tell us how you've grown or changed as a result of the incident.If you demonstrate genuine personal growth, you can prove yourself worthy of a second chance.
Step 11: What do you want to happen?
Tell the reader your desired outcome in the final paragraph of your appeal letter.It should be simple and straightforward.Make no promises you don't intend to follow through on.If your appeal isn't resolved to your satisfaction, you may be able to file a lawsuit.If you plan to file a lawsuit, leave a threat of legal action out of your appeal letter.
Step 12: Documentation to be gathered.
If all the facts are documented, any appeal has a better chance of success.The type of documentation you need depends on the decision you're appealing.Go through your letter and highlight all the facts.Do you have any proof of that?You should include it if you do.You will want to include identification documentation, as well as anything that connects you to the recipient, such as a membership card or a student ID.Instead of sending your originals, make copies.
Step 13: Make sure to proofread your letter.
If your letter is bad, your appeal will not be taken seriously.You can read your letter aloud to pick up on errors.If you've been drafting the letter for several days, it's a good idea to check the date on it.The date that you mail it should reflect the date you signed the letter.Make sure everything you've included is listed in your notations.
Step 14: You should make copies of the entire package.
You should make a copy of your letter with every attachment after you sign it.You will want to keep these for your own records until the issue is solved.You might want to make a separate folder for this.All documents and information related to your appeal should be kept.
Step 15: Write a letter.
If you mail your letter, you will have proof of receipt.You can use certified mail that requires a signature to send a receipt.Even if you never file a lawsuit, the date you received your appeal may be important.If you get a notice saying your appeal wasn't received within 20 days, that's a good example.You can have your appeal heard if you have a certified mail receipt that shows the letter was received 10 days after the decision.
Step 16: Follow up on your letter.
If you haven't heard from the person yet, mark a date on your calendar to contact them.Since you're the one requesting a second chance, be an active participant in the process and show that it means something to you.Being a pest doesn't mean following up.If you call once, you can find out if they received the letter.Ask when you should expect to hear back, and plan accordingly.If they request more information, submit it as soon as possible.